On March 18, 2011, The Maneater published a letter to the editor entitled: “Racial profiling by MUPD unwarranted, appalling,” by Madeline Ericson. In this letter the department was accused of racial profiling.
The MU Police Department addressed this issue immediately. On March 18, the department contacted Ms. Ericson through e-mail and met her in person on March 22nd. From our discussion and investigation, it was determined and agreed upon by both parties that the police vehicle she saw was not a MUPD police vehicle, nor did she or her friends actually see the car being pulled over by police.
MUPD ensures the community that the department takes all accusations of profiling and improper activity by department personnel very seriously. The department’s policy prohibits bias-based profiling in traffic contacts, field contacts, and in asset seizure and forfeiture efforts. All sworn officers annually complete training to ensure racial profiling is not occurring. Additionally, at a minimum of annually, the department reviews all stops, contacts and complaints that may indicate some type of profiling is occurring so that immediate action can be taken to stop the activity.
MUPD takes all inquiries into our officers’ actions seriously; and the community is encouraged to call the supervisor on duty at any time to report an incident they may observe that they consider being inappropriate. Additionally, the department takes profiling complaints and all complaints very seriously and will investigate the complaint to a conclusion of fact. Procedures on how to file a complaint are outlined on the department’s web site at: http://www.mupolice.com/complaint.php, and in a brochure in the department’s lobby. Questions about lodging a complaint can be answered by the shift supervisor or by contacting the Administrative Support Captain at 573-882-5923.